Flu has hit York, but the vaccine is less effective this year. Should you get a flu shot?

About a thousand third-graders descended on the Byrnes Health Education Center this week for Children's Wellness Days. It's the 35th year the York Hospital Auxiliary has coordinated the event, partnering for the first time with the Byrnes center.

Paul Kuehnel

UPDATE: As of Feb. 1, York County had 1,865 reported flu cases according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health. That's the second highest number in Pa. There have also been 65 associated flu deaths, including one pediatric case, throughout the state.

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York City resident Luz De Jesus gets a flu shot at Family First Health from Medical Assistant ...more

York City resident Luz De Jesus gets a flu shot at Family First Health from Medical Assistant Patrisia Trejo-Armentilla. De Jesus has never had the flu, but wanted to get a shot to prevent the illness.

Maddie Crocenzi

The flu could hit Pennsylvania hard the next three months.

The flu is considered "widespread" in Pennsylvania, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health. That means the virus has been confirmed in a lab in at least half of the regions of the state.

That might be because of a less effective flu shot. Dr. Marijka Grey, regional medical director at WellSpan Medical Group, said this year's flu shot is only 10 percent to 30 percent effective.

Grey said the CDC typically takes a look at the strains of flu going around the world to create the vaccine. However, Grey said there was a "slight mutation" since those vaccines were developed.

"With it not working as well, more of our patients are coming in sicker," she said.

Since flu season began in October, there have been 529 reported cases in York County. Grey said that around the state there have been 18 flu-associated deaths, 12 in the last week.

That might be the result of an earlier season. Grey said flu season hits hardest in February, but this year she's seen it begin to rise in January.

York City resident Luz De Jesus gets a flu shot at Family First Health from Medical Assistant ...more

York City resident Luz De Jesus gets a flu shot at Family First Health from Medical Assistant Patrisia Trejo-Armentilla. De Jesus has never had the flu, but wanted to get a shot to prevent the illness.

Maddie Crocenzi

Right now, the state is seeing 5,000 flu cases a week, according to Grey. Peak season is anywhere from 6,000 to 8,000 cases. However, those are only cases confirmed by a lab.

"Every day flu season feels like it’s lasting a little longer," Grey said. "By the time this flu season ends, we’ll actually be prepping the flu shots for next season."

Dr. Luis Garcia from Family First Health on South George Street said he's seen about 10 or 15 flu cases in York City since October. While he said the flu itself is no worse, he agreed that more people could be getting it because of a less effective vaccine.

Luz De Jesus from York City has never had the flu, but she got the shot from Family First Health to prevent it. Both Garcia and Grey still recommend getting the flu vaccine because it may reduce the symptoms and the duration of the flu.

"You get a benefit within about two weeks," Garcia said. "So, about two weeks after getting the flu shot, your body has developed an immune response."

Flu symptoms come on fast. They include headaches, runny eyes and nose, fever, chills and body aches, according to Grey and Garcia. They recommend seeing a doctor within 48-72 hours because a physician might prescribe medication to help reduce symptoms.

To stay clear of the flu until its end — typically around March — Grey and Garcia recommend frequent hand washing, following good hygiene, resting and drinking plenty of fluids.